BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE

JULY 4, 2024

Quality early learning services are child-focused and family-friendly, but they’re also educator-supportive, and one place that really looks after its people is Winston Glades Early Education Centre & Preschool.  

This Excellent-rated Queensland service currently holds a perfect 10.0 KindiCare Rating, and the leadership team sees a direct correlation between happy educators and high quality early education and care!  

They understand that when educators feel valued, empowered and inspired, they’re better-equipped to do their very best work; and Winston Glades’ leaders support their educators to flourish, so their early learners can thrive. 

Ongoing professional development is an important part of the support they offer, however, extra supports, like the in-centre massage chair, definitely help too!    

To learn more, we reached out to Winston Glade’s Centre Director, Lisa Harris, and it’s easy to see why the quality, and support, is so good at her service, because Lisa’s passion for early education and care is palpable, and her commitment contagious! 

Lisa has been with Queensland Childcare Services for 24 years, and to this day, she absolutely loves what she does. 

Lisa has found her calling, and her people, in the early learning sector, and works with her incredible leadership team to wholeheartedly support each educator. 

This support is neither static nor ‘one-size-fits-all’, because every day is different and every person too.  

However, here are four key ways that educators are supported wonderfully at Winston Glades: 

1. Collaboration is part of the culture 

Support takes two people (at least), and although it’s common for a manager to support an employee, at Winston Glades, there’s a collaborative atmosphere that’s underpinned by the educators’ collective commitment to excellence.  

Lisa says, “Our team is comprised of champions who bring diverse knowledge and skills, inspiring and motivating one another. This creates an environment where we celebrate the unique strengths, abilities, cultures, and interests of every educator, enriching our team’s and our children’s time with us.” 

This upbeat, inclusive and passionate culture ensures that each team member feels a sense of worth and empowerment in the childcare family, and if anything is ever amiss, they’re not afraid to speak up and ask for help or feedback.  

2. There’s ongoing investment in professional development 

Professional development has so much value at all stages of an early learning career, and the educators at Winston Glades are given plenty of opportunities to build their knowledge, and keep up with the latest research and best practice.  

Instead of enrolling everyone in every course, though, the leadership team takes the time to understand each team member’s strengths and interests.  

They then provide tailored opportunities for growth and evolution, so the person can reach their highest potential. 

This has upsides for the educator, but also for everyone in the Winston Glades family.  

On a personal level, professional development helps educators to feel supported, capable and motivated, which is great for their job satisfaction and morale. 

And it’s definitely true that, “When we know better, we do better."  

Professional development arms educators with new ideas, knowledge and skills, which enables them to offer higher quality care and learning experiences for each child; and Lisa says, “This leads to better outcomes for the children, and a more cohesive, dynamic, and innovative team.” 

3. There are special spaces to support wellbeing  

Although Winston Glades’ educators are busy for big chunks of the day, they’re also given the time, space and vista to relax and reset.  

Winston Glades is nestled in bushland, with all the soothing sights and sounds that come with it, and there’s a spacious deck outside where educators can unwind, surrounded by the beauty of nature. 

Lisa says, “This connection to the natural world provides a serene backdrop, boosting mood and fostering a sense of calm.” 

The wonderful vibe then continues inside with curated spaces that have been specially designed to enhance comfort and relaxation. 

And this is where the massage comes in! 

Winston Glades has its very own massage chair, which educators can use throughout the day, and there’s also aromatherapy, which Lisa says, “Adds to the soothing ambiance, creating an environment conducive to stress relief and overall wellbeing.” 

These dedicated spaces support educators’ physical and mental health, and they’ve become essential places – not just for relaxing – but also for programming, reading and socialising.  

This wellbeing focus has a great flow-on effect for everyone, and Lisa says, “We believe that when our educators feel supported and rejuvenated, they are better able to foster a positive, nurturing atmosphere for the children and families.” 

4. There’s also knowledge-sharing further afield  

As well as supporting her own educators, Lisa regularly visits other centres in the Queensland Childcare Services family, and provides tailored support to meet their educators’ and children’s unique needs. 

Her big picture aim is to elevate the quality of education and care across the sector; and to do this, Lisa recommends different types of professional development training, helps centres with critical reflections, and explores ways to improve educational practices.  

She says, “I also advocate for environments as the third teacher, encouraging courageous play, and identifying ways to strengthen community engagement.”  

At the end of the day, everyone benefits from Winston Glades’ dedication to its people. 

Winston Glades is a place where all ages can learn and grow, and the centre’s unwavering commitment to excellence definitely shines through in its unbeatable ACECQA and KindiCare ratings. 

We congratulate Lisa and her team on everything they’ve achieved so far (including an amazing workplace culture), and can’t wait to see where their passion and dedication takes them next!